iOS 18.1 brings the first suite of Apple Intelligence features to iPhone users, including writing tools, Photos app cleanup, notification summaries, and more. However, apart from these new Apple Intelligence features, iOS 18.1 includes other new features for iPhone users.
Here’s a roundup of all the non-Apple intelligence features coming to iPhone users in iOS 18.1 later this month.
NFC access for third-party apps
iOS 18.1 brings major changes to the iPhone’s NFC chip. For the first time, Apple is opening up its NFC chip to third-party apps. This allows third-party developers to implement contactless payments and features that exist separately from Apple Pay and Apple Wallet.
Apple says developers will be able to use the iPhone’s NFC chip to make payments, car keys, student IDs, and more.
- Payment in store
- car key
- closed loop transportation
- corporate badges
- student ID
- home key
- hotel key
- Affiliated store loyalty cards and point cards
- event ticket
- Government ID (to be provided later)
According to Apple, the feature will debut in iOS 18.1 and will be available in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, it requires adoption by third-party app developers, and it’s unclear when the first apps with these features will be released.
Additionally, Apple said that to access the iPhone’s NFC chip, developers must enter into a commercial agreement with Apple, request NFC and SE rights, and “pay the associated fees.” At this time, Apple has not released details regarding pricing.
Further adjustments to the control center
One of the major changes in iOS 18 is the all-new Control Center, which is fully customizable. In iOS 18.1, Apple is making several changes to this experience based on user feedback. First, we now have dedicated toggles for all connection controls that were previously only available on the large all-in-one connection widget.
iOS 18.1 also includes a new “Reset Control Center” option in the Settings app. Tapping this will reset the Control Center layout to factory defaults and give you a completely new start.
iPhone mirroring adds drag and drop
Delivering on the WWDC promise, iPhone Mirroring now supports the ability to easily drag and drop files between your iPhone and Mac. This feature requires both iOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1. iPhone Mirroring allows you to wirelessly move files back and forth with just drag and drop.
You can see this feature in action in the video above.
New camera controls for iPhone 16
For iPhone 16 users, iOS 18.1 expands camera controls with yet another new option. You can now swipe the camera controls to switch to the selfie camera.
- Open the camera app and tap the camera control to bring up the menu
- Tap the camera control twice to go to the Camera menu
- Swipe all the way to the left to see new selfie options
Call recording and transcription
The feature was initially advertised as exclusive to the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, but Apple has expanded support to the iPhone XS and beyond. During a call, you can start recording the call by tapping on the new icon that appears in the top left corner of the interface. Your iPhone will notify the other party that the call is being recorded.
In addition to recording calls, your iPhone will generate a recording of the call after the fact. Transcription of call recordings is available in English (US, Australia), Spanish (US, Mexico), Chinese (Mainland China), Cantonese (Hong Kong), and Korean (South Korea).
Integrating TikTok into Apple Music
Finally, iOS 18.1 also improves Apple Music and TikTok integration. The Music app now has a new button that makes it easy to share songs and albums directly to TikTok. You can post it as a video or photo to TikTok, or send it to someone as a private message.
If you choose to post as a photo or video, TikTok will automatically add the song to your post so others can hear the audio when viewing it.
This integration with TikTok is similar to the Apple Music integration that was added to Instagram Stories in iOS 13.4 in 2020.
iOS 18.1 release date
During last month’s iPhone 16 event, Apple confirmed that iOS 18.1 will be generally available sometime in October. Most recently, bloomberg We reported that iOS 18.1 will be released on October 28th.
Are you running iOS 18.1 beta on your iPhone? If so, what’s your favorite feature so far? Let us know in the comments.
My favorite iPhone accessories:
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